20 emerging filmmakers from East Africa are set to begin 12-month training program On 1 October.
MultiChoice Africa is delighted to reveal the 60 hopefuls who have been chosen to be the first students of the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy! The candidates were chosen after a two-months-long process of shortlisting candidates from over 3 000 entries from 13 countries in Africa, this was followed by a rigorous interview and adjudication process by a group of industry experts and regional Academy Directors.
The 20 future filmmakers from East Africa were selected based on their industry related qualifications and skills, as well as their passion to narrate Africa’s unique stories.
The candidates chosen include:
From Kenya: Adala Makhulo, Michelle Angawa, Tecla Joan, Shilla Gathoni, Mary Wanjiku, Samuel Makau, Hillary Lanogwa, Karanja Ngendo, Antony Njoroge, Millan Lwanga and Hillary Sabuni
From Tanzania: Sarah Kimario, Wilson Nkya, Jamal Kishuli and Jane Moshi
From Uganda: Cissy Nalumansi, Hilda Awori, Aaron Tamale and Casey Lugada
From Ethiopia: Fisehatsion Nibret
The candidates chosen will represent their respective countries at the Kenya-based MTF Academy from 1 October. MultiChoice Africa will sponsor the students’ tuition, accommodation, and stipend for the duration of their training in each regional hub. The MTF Academy students will be provided with skillsets to develop their talent, connect with industry professionals and tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production, and storytelling.
“We’re exceptionally impressed with the caliber of young Africans chosen to be part of the inaugural MultiChoice Talent Factory. Their applications illustrated their passion for the continent – they talk about making African stories go viral and getting international audiences addicted to high-quality and engaging local content,” says award-winning scriptwriter Njoki Muhoho, who will spearhead the East Africa MTF Academy hub in Kenya.
During the programme, MTF Academy students will produce television and film content that will be aired on our local M-Net channels across the MultiChoice platform including Africa Magic, Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Bongo, Zambezi Magic, M-Net and SuperSport to reach African audiences on the DStv and GOtv platforms. Upon graduation from the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, the MTF student will leave with the knowledge and skills to contribute professionally to Africa’s film and television industry.
“As a company that is deeply rooted in Kenya, we understand that many young, aspiring filmmakers have the capacity to learn and strengthen their skill set to give back to their communities but may not be financially equipped to do so. The MultiChoice Talent Factory focuses on making sure that those gems are nurtured and their talent developed in order to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s creative industry,” said Eric Odipo, Managing Director MultiChoice Kenya.
